//------------------------------//
// Cleaned Up 
// Story: Spike The Dog 
// by bakersong 
//------------------------------//

As he knocked he heard Fluttershy's soft voice come through telling them to hang on just a minute. He knew she probably wouldn't be mad at him, but he was still nervous. After a few more seconds though the door opened and Fluttershy gave them a little smile.

"Feeling better?" Fluttershy asked looking at him.

<Uh...> He cleared his throat. "Yeah, thanks for asking. But you wouldn't mind helping me get ready for tonight?"

"You still want to go?" Fluttershy asked though he could hear her tone wasn't surprise but knowing.

"Um, uh, y-yeah... I mean I did promise and everything." He replied, and Fluttershy nodded.

"That's what I thought, and Rarity left you a gift for your date to!" Before he could respond Fluttershy pulled him into the house, Maple following a few steps behind.

<W-wait! What do mean? What gift? I was only gone for like an hour!> He said making the Pegasus stop for a second.

"Oh, well you know how fast Rarity can work. That and from the looks of it she had this ready for a minute." Fluttershy said, though he could barely understand what she said.

<It does not surprise me, Rarity does have a drive. Especially when it comes to her friends.> Maple said making Fluttershy nod, though he could tell that was more directed at him.

<Then I need to thank her then.> He muttered.

"Oh, you haven't even seen it yet Spike!" Fluttershy said, though he didn't realize that she had put him down.

<And yet she sounds like you'll love it little pup> Maple whispered in his ear.

<Yeah, which where is it?> He asked looking at the yellow mare.

"Well, I figured we can get you re-cleaned." Fluttershy said.

<O-okay....> Though before he could get anything else out Fluttershy grabbed him up and put him into the bath that was filled with water that was just the right temperature.

After spending some time in the tub, getting shampooed, dried, brushed, and a little animal friendly cologne he felt great. Though Fluttershy finally noticed his leg was healed and after some explaining that it was some sort of magic she nodded in understanding. Then she ushered him into her room to put on his present.

"Make sure you have your eyes closed okay? Rarity made me promise to keep it a surprise after all." He nodded in agreement and squeezed his eyes shut.

He felt the material pass over his head, and at first he was a little confused about it. Mostly because he just figured it would be another bow tie, but this was obviously some sort of suit. Then he heard Fluttershy give a little gasp, and heard Maple walk around him.

<Very stunning little pup, I think Winona will be very impressed. Even if I don't understand why ponies wear such thin material.> Maple said making him shift a little bit.

<Uh, c-can I open my eyes now?> He asked.

"Oh, hold on Spike. the light bulb just burnt out." Fluttershy answered and he could hear her walk away.

<Did the light really burn out?> He asked feeling a little uncomfortable, though not due to the outfit.

<Calm down little pup, try not to let your nerves get the best of you. As for your question, yes it did go out.> Maple replied, then suddenly he felt her paw on his head and it started to calm his nerves.

<Y-you know, Twilight used to rub my head like this when I was little and had nightmares.> He said making the wolf give a little chuckle.

<Yes, well I always pictured doing something like this with my own pups. That is why I'm very glad you seem to be enjoying it, and I can tell it's helping calm those butterflies.> Maple said, though he could hear a little sadness in her voice.

<Um, uh, i-if it's not too much trouble can I ask you a question?> He asked.

<Depends on the question little pup.> Maple replied, her tone suggesting she knew what he wanted to ask.

<I understand if you don't want to answer, but why don't you have your own pups?> He asked feeling the instant tension in the air.

<It is a long story little pup, one that still brings me sadness when I think about it. Though for you, I will tell you eventually I promise little pup.> Maple replied.

<I'm sorry for bringing it up.> He said the guilt in his voice evident.

<It is only natural to be curious. But thank you little pup for giving me this oppurtunity.> Maple said, and he felt her nuzzle him making the tension seep out of the room just as fast as it appeared.

"Alright Spike, lucky I had an extra bulb in the back closet. Though it looks like I'm going to get some more... oh, sorry I didn't mean to interrupt." Fluttershy said as she came into the room making Maple give a sigh.

<It is alright, I was giving the little pup some encouragement.>  Maple said, giving him a pat on the head.

"Don't worry about it Maple, I understand. But lets change the light now so Spike can see what he looks like." Fluttershy said, and he could hear the mare fly up and soon she came back down. "Alright, are you ready Spike?"

<Um, y-yeah...> He then opened his eyes to reveal that he was wearing a nice simple shirt, with a new studded leash, and collar, to top it off he could see that it was studded with all of his favorite gems. <Wow, i-it must have taken her a long time to find all of these.>

"Well, it did take her awhile. But not as long as you might think, because she had a few stored back. Mostly the rarer ones she used are the ones she had." Fluttershy said, making him nod.

<Yes, you do look stunning though little pup. Tomorrow we can stop by Rarity's house to give her thanks. For right now, it's almost time for you to go.> Maple said, pushing him out the door and toward the front door.

<Uh, r-right but thanks Fluttershy for helping me get ready!> He yelled as he was pushed out the front door.